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Due to timeline and distribution complexities created by the pandemic many schools are having to make choices about outfitting their learning environments for September right now and very fast. That is a lot of pressure on educators and administrators at a time when there is so much else that needs their attention as well. So although understandable that these decisions may not be getting the consideration they need, unfortunately students could be negatively impacted for many years to come.

What we don’t want is the integrity of the learning space lost because of the necessity of decisions having to be made fast. In order to set students up for success they need learning environments that support them in their creativity and learning while also being healthy, safe and welcoming.

Our big question is, who is caring about the internal space? And as a company and community what can Natural Pod do to support those decision makers who in turn have the opportunity to support our learners and educators in having access to healthy, safe and inspiring spaces? Learning environments, and therefore learning furniture simply can’t be an afterthought if we want to create the kind of environments where students thrive. One thing we know for sure is solutions are found in conversation, not spreadsheets or order forms. So that is where we always choose to start in helping you to find the best outcome. If you are an educator or school administrator and you’re either needing to know more or have met challenges in creating your learning environment please reach out to us. We also know that those challenges are often budgetary, and we will always meet you where you are. Oftentimes we find that new purchases aren’t even necessary and that re-purposing the furniture that already exists or simply adding just a few new pieces can transform a learning space. The most important thing is not to lose the foundations of a learning environment, it’s better to lose the nice to haves such as Play Lofts for early learners or light tables for older students, but don’t lose the core elements of flexible, collaborative tables or benches.

This is why we strongly encourage conversation as the way forward to uncover workable solutions. Our team can advise on how to succeed with a less is more approach, or how to repurpose the furniture you already have, or how to make furniture choices that will have longer term benefits within the same budget. In order to support students or educators please communicate the challenges your facing and let us help you find a great outcome. We really are here to support you!

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Below are five guiding principles to help keep the integrity of student focused learning environments that often don’t require new purchases, but rather repurposing.

1. Be more deliberate about furniture configuration
The aim is to have the flexibility to create both independent learning spaces and collaborative work areas. Start off by taking an inventory of what’s available to you and create your floor plan from there. Is the furniture, seating and storage being used efficiently? If not, consider repurposing, re-positioning them, or removing them. This will provide flexibility to try different seating options, like pushing a row of desks against a wall for an independent learning space or positioning them together to form a collaborative work space.

2. Allow room for movement
There is now lots of research to show that optimal learning is possible when students are able to move. Have a look at classroom configurations that allow ease of movement between different areas so students can discover how they learn best. Or think about introducing standing desks. Also make sure everyone has enough table space for their books or laptops so no-one is cramped.

3. Ditch the teacher desk
This may seem radical but teacher desks are remnants of a more traditional classroom design. They should be one the first items to consider when creating a student-centred learning environment. This idea of educators not having a set desk allows for a more student centred collaborative style of teaching as well as a less hierarchical approach.

4. Utilize multi-purpose tables
If removing the large teacher desk isn’t an option, then how could it be moved or repurposed to support a vision for a student-centred learning environment? Rectangular tables or extra desks, if they’re available and uncluttered, can be used for a designated space, like collaborative or creative work.

5. Create clear sight-lines
Teachers and students should be able to see everyone else in the classroom. That may sound like an easy task in an open classroom, but projector carts, columns, or bookshelves can all present visual barriers. Ensuring a clear line of sight across the room is a way of encouraging student participation, especially during group discussions. When possible, having natural light or views of the outside surroundings, particularly of nature – are shown to be highly beneficial to keep students calm and focused.
There is no prescribed method in which a classroom should be set up. Flexibility is key so it’s important to reassess the changes to see what is and isn’t working.